Words to welcome Wuhan college newcomers are seen at a bus station in Optics Valley of China. [Photo/WeChat account of Optics Valley of China]

The East Lake High-tech Development Zone (also known as Optics Valley of China, or OVC) has worked with Xiaohongshu, a leading national e-commerce platform, to welcome 300,000 college newcomers in Wuhan, Central China's Hubei province, by rolling out a series of activities from Sept 1 to 10.

Xiaohongshu took the initiative to create multiple WeChat groups for incoming college students to discuss and navigate the transition from high school to university life. This thoughtful gesture not only fosters a sense of community, but also provides invaluable support for those embarking on this new chapter in their academic journey.

The valley is also arranging college newcomer receptions at the OVC pedestrian streets, giving out little gifts for the participants on-site.

As college students navigate their way through the valley, they can rely on valuable resources like guides and advice available on bus station corners and shopping center screens to help them transition smoothly.

In addition, freshmen can get one of 5,000 free tram cards, each allowing them to enjoy 10 free rides of OVC's trams from Sept 1 to Oct 6.

A themed OVC tram to welcome Wuhan college newcomers. [Photo/WeChat account of Optics Valley of China]

Students can gain 4,900 cards at on-site activities after showing their freshman certificates (such as the electronic version of their admission letter).

The remaining 100 cards will be given to the top 50 commentators of the official WeChat account of Optics Valley of China – 中国光谷 – whose messages left are given the most likes before 4:00 pm on Sept 1. Each commentator can get two free tram cards.